James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 in "Skyfall"

"Skyfall" -- the latest installment of the James Bond series -- opens in the United States Friday. The film stars Daniel Craig, who returns for a third time as agent 007, in what some critics are calling the best Bond film ever.

Director Sam Mendes puts Bond in a gritty world of espionage that has been updated to reflect the modern technological landscape, which includes sophisticated viruses. However, Bond's world in "Skyfall" has room for a dear old friend: the Aston Martin DB5.

Credit: MGM/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions

"I love them, and this story was the perfect platform to re-introduce the DB5," said Craig. "The film is about Bond returning to his roots and confronting old demons, so it felt right. We get some good use out of it, too."

Credit: MGM/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions

Named after Sir David Brown, the DB series of Aston Martins debuted in 1948 at the London Motor Show. At the time, 15 prototypes of the automobile were produced.

Credit: MGM/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions

Its appearance in "Skyfall" marks the sixth time the DB5 has been featured. The Aston Martin DB5 was first driven by Bond in the 1964 film, "Goldfinger," in a silver birch color.

Credit: MGM/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions

Director Sam Mendes and Daniel Craig on the set of "Skyfall."

Credit: Francois Duhamel

"We

Credit: MGM/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions

"It is Bond's essential car and in a movie about reorienting Bond to his past and to his future, we just had to use it -- beyond the fact it

Credit: MGM/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions

The Aston Martin DB5 has been seen in "Goldfinger," "Thunderball," "GoldenEye," "Tomorrow Never Dies," "Casino Royal," and "Skyfall."